I went to the kitchen to find Dave reading the paper. He hadn’t checked in at work all week and actually seemed okay with that. Maybe he had been fired and was searching the want ads, I thought, as I sat down next to him.
“Good morning, Sam. What do you want to do today?”
“Maybe you should check email, you know, in case there’s trouble at work.”
He looked up from the paper. “Why would I do that? It’s Saturday. I can check it later.”
“But aren’t they gonna be mad that you missed so many days?”
“Not your concern, Sam,” he said in a parental tone, returning his gaze to the paper.
“What are you reading?” I decided to change the subject.
“Real estate section. Wanted to see what houses are going for in my neighborhood.”
“You’re selling your house?”
“Well, only if you want me to stay here. I’m guessing you don’t want to move to my place. This is the only home you’ve known.”
“I guess, but I’ll be going to college soon, so it’s really not fair to say you have to sell your house and live in this one.”
“We don’t have to make a decision right now. But I should really sell my place anyway. It’s too big for me. I need to downsize.”
Downsize? I was now certain that he’d been fired. Either that or my parents didn’t leave behind enough money and Dave thought he had to pay for my college.
“Dave, are you having some money problems? Or did something happen with your job?”
“Of course not. There you go again, worrying about everything. What did I tell you about that?” He smiled, putting the paper down. “Let’s talk about something else, like the food situation. I regret to say that the food from the church and Colin’s mom has run out. Now you’re going to have to rely on my cooking, which is limited to frozen dinners, canned soup, and spaghetti. And sometimes I even screw those up.”
I smiled, remembering an incident when he actually burned a frozen meal by overcooking it in the microwave.
“Maybe we should go to the store,” he said. “Between the two of us, we should be able to find something we can make.”
“Sounds like a plan. I’ll get ready while you finish breakfast.”
Just talking about doing something like grocery shopping made me feel somewhat normal again. Like I might actually get through the day without feeling weighed down in darkness.
I went up to my room to get ready. I opened my bedroom blinds to see bright sunshine melting the piles of snow at the end of each driveway, making a mess in the street. I squinted at the brightness, then noticed that the bright gleam of light was reflecting off a car’s mirror. It was the black sedan again. It was so shiny and clean that it stood out against the other cars on the street, which were covered in dirt and melting snow.
I looked closer to see if people were inside, but the windows were too dark. Something about it made me nervous and a shiver went through me.
“Sam, are you ready yet?” Dave was knocking on the door.
“Almost, just a few minutes. I’ll be right there.”
I pulled on jeans and a sweatshirt. I met Dave at the door and we headed to the car. I looked for the sedan but it was gone. “Uncle Dave, have you seen that black car with New York plates? It’s been on our street for weeks.”
Dave stopped suddenly and looked around. “No, I haven’t.” He seemed anxious. “Get in the car, Sam. Now.”
“Yeah, that’s where I’m going. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Just hurry and get in the car.” He sped out of the driveway, constantly glancing in his rear view mirror.
“Why are you driving so fast?”
“I’m not. Why don’t you turn on the radio? Put on whatever you want.”
He was acting very strange. It reminded me of the reaction he had had to the man that showed up at my house after the memorial service. I realized that I’d forgotten to ask him about that.
“Hey, who was that man at our house the day of the memorial service? He had a hat on and he never took his coat off.”
“What man? I don’t know who you’re talking about.” Dave’s tone wasn’t convincing.
“It seemed like you were mad at him. Like you didn’t want him there.”
“What? No. I wasn’t mad at anyone.”
I wanted to ask him more about it, but I could tell that Dave wouldn’t give me any answers. Whoever that guy was, Dave didn’t want me knowing anything about him.
We did our grocery shopping and then came home and made lunch. Later that afternoon, I called Colin. I hadn’t talked to him for days.
“Is it really you?” Colin kidded when he answered the phone.
“Yeah, it’s me. Do you want to come over tonight?”
“Like you have to ask. Of course I want to come over. I haven’t seen you all week.”
“I know. And thanks for giving me some time. Dave and I really needed it. We’re getting along a lot better now. And I actually feel a little better.”
“Why don’t I just come over right now? I could stop and get some movies if you want.”
“That sounds good. And Dave’s getting pizza for dinner.”
“Okay. I’ll be right over.”
“Oh, and Colin?”
“Yeah?”
“I really missed you this week. I missed you a lot.” I never said things like that to him, but I really had missed him. And I wanted him to know.
I think it took him by surprise because he waited a moment to respond. “Thanks. It’s nice to be missed. I missed you, too. I’ll see ya soon.”
Colin came over and the pizza arrived. Instead of eating with us, Dave took his dinner to Dad’s office, saying he needed to catch up on some work. He seemed to finally be understanding teenagers and parental boundaries.
Sunday seemed almost normal. I did some laundry while Dave cleaned up the house and attempted to make a roast.
That afternoon, Colin came over along with Allie. We watched an old movie on TV.
“So I’m thinking I’ll go back to school tomorrow,” I said during a commercial break.
They both looked at me. Allie turned the TV off. “Are you sure? It’s only been a couple weeks, Sam.”
“I know. But I need to get out of this house. It just makes me sad sitting here all day. And I need to think about something other than the accident.”
Colin put his arm around me. “Have you talked to Dave about this?”
“No. But it’s not his decision. Besides, he has to go back to work tomorrow.”
“Then let’s ride together. I’ll come pick you up,” Colin said.
“No. I should drive myself in case I decide to leave early.”
“Oh crap!” Allie said. “I’m not even gonna be there this week.”
“Why? You going somewhere?” Colin asked her.
“No. I have to complete this online course as part of my independent study. And take some test on Friday. I was planning to do it all at home but maybe I could . . .”
“Allie. Don’t worry about it. It’s no big deal.”
“But I feel like I should be there.”
“Hey, I’ll still be there,” Colin said, acting offended.
“Yeah, but you’re a guy. It’s not the same. She needs me, don’t you, Sam?”
“I need you both. But I’ll be fine, Allie.”
“I’ll take care of her,” Colin said, kissing my cheek.
“And you think I worry too much?” I kidded. “You guys are just as bad.”
Dave came in and announced his roast was ready and invited Allie and Colin to stay for dinner. They both said they had to get home, but I think they were really just afraid to try Dave’s cooking.
That night, I got all my stuff together for school. I wondered how people would act toward me when they saw me back in class. Would they avoid me, not sure what to say? Or approach me, saying how sorry they were? I figured it was best to just go and get it over with than worry what would
happen. Maybe since two weeks had passed, everything would be back to normal.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Madison High
Monday morning, before the first bell rang at Madison High, Caitlyn Morgan and Stacey Reece stood near my locker touching up their makeup. Ryan Armstrong and Brad Meyers, both football players, were next to them, reliving moments from last night’s NFL game. At least some things were just as I had left them, I thought.
As the morning went on, a few people came up to me in the hallway while others just gave me an awkward smile, unsure what to say. My teachers were constantly asking me if I was okay, and a few offered to let me out of an upcoming quiz or homework assignment.
By lunch, I was exhausted. Sitting at home doing nothing for two weeks made a morning at school seem like running a marathon. I sat down at a table and looked through my homework assignments, waiting for Colin to arrive.
“Sorry I’m late,” Colin said, setting his books down. “The guys were trying to get me to go to some party this Friday night.”
“Are you gonna go?”
“Are you kidding? No way. You made me go a whole week without seeing you. Forget them. I’m hanging out with you.” Colin smiled and gave me a kiss.
“Okay, but you’re missing out on the whole high school experience,” I said, smiling back. It was the line his dad loved to toss at him whenever he hung out at my place on Friday nights instead of going to parties with his teammates.
“Real funny, Sam.” He rolled his eyes and left to get in the cafeteria line.
I flipped open my calculus book and started unpacking my lunch.
“I heard you were going to the dance. That’s a first.” I looked up to find Caitlyn Morgan staring down at me, her eyes barely visible behind the bright blond hair that was always falling on her face. Her short cheerleading skirt showed off her fake tan, which looked orange in the fluorescent lighting of the cafeteria.
“I’ll be there,” I muttered, keeping my eyes on my book.
“You don’t have to go, you know. Colin would be fine going on his own. Caitlyn can keep him company.” This time it was Stacey talking, twisting her dark brown hair around her finger as she talked. She also wore a cheerleader uniform and had the same orange glow as Caitlyn. They must have gone to the same tanning place.
“I’m sure he would love that,” I said, “if he loved brainless cheerleaders whose only goal in life is to get laid by the entire football team.”
I regretted saying it as soon the words came out. Caitlyn had a way of bringing out the worst in me. I had never liked her, but then when she and Colin dated, I grew to hate her, even though I knew that wasn’t a good reason to hate someone. After all, Colin had a part in the two of them dating and I didn’t hate him.
I never understood what Colin was thinking dating her. Sure, it was years ago, but really? Caitlyn? He couldn’t have picked someone else? Anyone? I looked back to find Colin still waiting in line. What was taking him so long?
“You’re so jealous of us, Sam. It’s really pathetic,” Caitlyn said, sweeping her long hair out of her face. “And in case you forgot, I’ve already had Colin. Maybe it’s time to take him back. I only left him alone because I felt sorry for you and what a loser you are. But now that you’re technically graduating in a few weeks, I think it’s time for some competition. What do you think, Stacey?”
“Definitely. I love competition, especially when it involves Colin. Go Caitlyn!” Stacey did a little mock cheer, waving some fake pompoms in the air.
I could feel my face heating up but didn’t want to give them the satisfaction that they were getting to me. “Well, good luck with that.”
“It’s like you always say, Sam. A girl’s gotta have goals.” She straightened up to stick her chest out as she looked behind me. “And here he comes now. Hi, Colin. You look really hot today. I love that shirt.”
Caitlyn walked past him, brushing her chest on his arm as she turned. Stacey followed close behind. I felt sick, remembering why I wanted to graduate early.
“What was that about?” Colin asked, sitting down next to me.
“I was just telling Caitlyn how close we’ve become these past few months.” I turned and pulled Colin toward me, looking over at Caitlyn, who was staring at us along with the entire cheerleader table. Before Colin could say anything, I kissed him in a way that I would normally say was inappropriate at school, taking my time so they would get a good show.
“Um, thanks,” Colin said, unsure what had just happened. “That was, uh, different. Nice, but different.”
I ignored his shock and ate my lunch.
The rest of the day was a blur. I got home with a pile of homework but was too tired to do any of it. I took a nap and didn’t get up until Dave woke me at 6. He had actually come home at a decent hour and cooked a meal.
Dave was quiet at dinner and was back to looking nervous and stressed.
“How was work?” I asked, feeling stupid once I said it. Work was probably the last thing he wanted to talk about.
“It wasn’t good. I’m sure tired. It’s a big change going back to a work schedule after being home all those days.”
“Yeah, I know what you mean.”
“How was school?”
“Well, not much has changed,” I said, but Dave wasn’t really listening.
The rest of dinner Dave was lost in his own thoughts with a worried look on his face. He didn’t speak until I got up and started to clear the plates.
“I need to talk about something with you, Sam. It’s about our arrangement here.”
I didn’t like the sound of those words. “What do you mean?”
“Well, I realize that you’re graduating early and you think of yourself as an adult. But I told your parents that I would step in on their behalf if anything ever happened, and I need to act on that.”
“Yeah, we talked about that already. And you’ve been great. You made dinner just like Dad would have. And he was a good cook, so that’s a compliment.”
“I don’t mean step in by just making dinner or paying the bills. I want to ensure that you’re safe. I heard on the news today that there’s been an increase in crime in this area. I don’t want you going out until they catch these people. That means no driving anywhere except school and home. And don’t answer the door for anyone. Can you do that for me, Sam?”
“What are you talking about? Last weekend you said I should get out of the house more. And besides, where do I go that’s dangerous? The coffee shop, which is in the middle of safe suburbia? I sometimes go to the library—but last I heard, that’s not a huge hangout for criminals.” I rolled my eyes, not getting the serious tone of Dave’s warning.
“I’m not arguing with you about this, Sam. You’re not going anywhere until I say it’s okay. And that includes going out with Colin. If you need to go somewhere, I’ll take you. I know it’s not what you want and it probably sounds overly cautious. But please just do this for me. It’s for your own safety.”
“I don’t know what this is all about, but you’re acting weird and it’s scaring me. I’m finally feeling like I can leave the house, and now you want to make me a hostage here? Why would you do that to me? I’ll go out if I want to, Uncle Dave. You’re not my dad, so stop trying to act like you are.”
I bolted up the stairs to my room and slammed the door shut. I felt like a rebellious teenager, but I didn’t know how else to respond. Mom and Dad had never grounded me. There was no need to. I was the perfect teenager. Didn’t drink. Didn’t do drugs. I got good grades.
Dave had grounded me for no reason. Why would he act that way? We were getting along so well. And our living arrangement was finally starting to work. What had changed?
Later that night, I heard Dave walking around the kitchen. His cell phone rang. I was up in my room but I could hear him with my exceptional hearing.
“Why are you calling me here? You know I can’t talk. What if she hears me?”
Silence. Dave was listening
. I couldn’t tell who was on the phone. Something must have happened at work. Was he talking to a coworker? If so, why was he talking about me to this person? And what was it that I wasn’t supposed to hear?
“This can’t happen now. Her parents just died. Give her some time to grieve. I don’t care about the meeting. It can wait. They’ve been waiting this long. What’s a few more months?”
More silence.
“I will not let you near her, you hear me? It’s too soon. Leave her alone. Please. Just give us a few more months.”
Silence again. Dave threw his cell phone on the kitchen table. I could hear him pacing the floor. “Ellie, Stephen, I’m so sorry for this,” he whispered. “If you can hear me, I’m so sorry. I promise, I’ll do all I can to protect your little girl.”
Was Dave losing it? He’s talking to my dead parents now? Did he always do this? I felt uneasy. Something was definitely not right. I kept to myself the rest of the night. I could hear Dave working on his computer in my dad’s office. I listened for more strange phone calls but eventually fell asleep.
“We need to get rid of that kid, that boy she hangs out with,” a man said from behind a large metal desk. He was on the phone; his back was turned so I couldn’t see his face. “He’s too close to her. He’s just going to end up causing trouble.”
There was silence as the person on the other end of the phone talked. The man faced a wall of screens, like high-tech security monitoring. One of the screens showed Colin at basketball practice. Another one showed my street, and one showed what looked like my living room. The rest were hard to see.
“Yeah, but the big boss, the head guy over in Sweden, what’s his name? Worthings, yeah, that’s his name. He thinks the kid could be useful. But if she tells that boy anything, then we got problems. ‘Course Worthings doesn’t care. He’s not the one who has to do the dirty work and clean it up.”
Silence again. “Yeah, I know, I know. We can’t have too many accidents in a row. People start asking questions.” The man listened again.
“Yeah, she’s starting to show abilities already. Changes in her hearing. Those dreams.” Silence again. “Yeah, Worthings already gave us orders to take her in, but Dave talked him into waiting. Probably a good idea. Could look suspicious if she goes missing right after her folks die. I think Dave’s just trying to buy time. But he knew this day would come.”
The Samantha Project Page 10
